The Council approved conclusions in view of the Conference of Parties on the Convention on biological diversity (COP16) and the meetings on the Cartagena protocol and the Nagoya protocol, to be held in Cali, Colombia, from 21 October to 1 November 2024. The conclusions will serve as the EU’s general negotiating position at the meetings. […]
Disabled people will find it easier to travel within the EU
The Council has adopted two new directives that will make it easier for persons with disabilities to travel within the EU. The directive establishing the European disability card and the European parking card for persons with disabilities will ensure equal access to special conditions or preferential treatment for persons with disabilities during short stays throughout the EU. Examples include reduced or zero entry […]
Council urges action against desertification in the EU
The Council of the European Union has adopted conclusions addressing the urgent challenges posed by desertification, land degradation, and drought (DLDD), underscoring the critical need for a cohesive and integrated approach to environmental management across the EU. These conclusions highlight the increasing frequency and severity of droughts, alongside the exacerbation of desertification and land degradation both globally […]
Council improves the protection of industrial designs
The Council adopts the two legislative acts in the framework of the design package: The texts adopted update the existing design legislation in order to improve the protection of industrial designs in the era of digital designs and 3D printing. Better protection for designs and models The directive and regulation adopted will make the procedure […]
EU brings product liability rules in line with digital age and circular economy
The Council adopted a directive to update the EU’s civil liability law. The new liability rules better take into account that nowadays many products have digital features and that the economy is becoming increasingly circular. Bence Tuzson, Hungarian Minister of Justice stated “The product liability rules that the Council adopted today are good news for […]
Council adopts new law on security requirements for digital products
The Council adopted today a new law on cybersecurity requirements for products with digital elements with a view to ensuring that products, such as connected home cameras, fridges, TVs, and toys, are safe before they are placed on the market (cyber resilience act). The new regulation aims to fill the gaps, clarify the links, and […]
Council adopts conclusions on climate finance
The Council approved conclusions on climate finance ahead of the United Nations framework convention on climate change (UNFCCC) meeting in Baku, Azerbaijan, from 11 to 22 November 2024 (COP 29). In its conclusions, the Council underlines that the EU and its member states are committed to the current goal of developed countries to collectively mobilise […]
Council adopts rules for listing on European stock exchanges
The Council adopted the listing act, a legislative package that will make EU public capital markets more attractive for EU companies and facilitate the listing of companies of all sizes, including small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), on European stock exchanges. This marks the final step in the decision-making process. Mihály Varga, Hungarian minister of finance […]
Council sets out new sanctions against those responsible for destabilising activities against the EU and its Member States
The Council today established a new framework for restrictive measures in response to Russia’s destabilising actions abroad. This new framework will allow the EU to target individuals and entities engaged in actions and policies by the government of the Russian Federation, which undermine the fundamental values of the EU and its member states, their security, independence and integrity, as well […]